What is the Enrollment Cliff in 2025? With 2025 right around the corner, we’ve all been hearing about and preparing for the “Enrollment Cliff”.  Over the past year, there have been a plethora of articles describing the upcoming shift, but these are focused on hand-wringing about potential challenges, without showing a full picture of why this is happening or any clear strategy for what comes next. At its core, the “Enrollment Cliff” phenomenon is driven by declining birth rates in the United States, leading to a reduced number of traditional college-aged students that will come into effec ..read more

The buzz was palpable at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel in February as hundreds of higher education marketing, enrollment management, and leadership professionals gathered for InsightsEDU 2024. This premier conference, dedicated solely to the success of career-ready learners in online programs, offered a dynamic forum for attendees to share best practices, exchange ideas, and gain invaluable insights to stay ahead of the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and workforce trends. For the dedicated professionals who guide and support career-focused adult learners, InsightsEDU prov ..read more

EducationDynamics released its 13th annual Online College Students Report in February 2024. This annual report, based on a survey of over 3,000 online colleges students, serves as a valuable resource for enrollment management professionals vested in enrolling and retaining adult students in online education. Here are four key takeaways for enrollment management professionals from the 2024 report:  1. Prospective students are considering fewer options.  79% of respondents are considering 1-3 schools. This contrasts with previous Online College Students reports where online students c ..read more

Understanding the Motivations and Needs of Online College Students Online college students aren’t taking chances with their education. They’re strategic planners, carefully researching programs, calculating costs and benefits, and seeking the perfect fit for their ambitions. These career-driven learners demand flexible options that seamlessly integrate with their busy lives. Understanding this shift in mindset is crucial for colleges and universities. EducationDynamics, a leader in higher education marketing, recognizes the strategic nature of modern students. Our annual Online College Student ..read more

Higher education marketing can feel like a constant battle for attention. Fewer potential students, global competition, and evolving needs make it tough to stand out. Rising costs and similar programs add fuel to the fire. But there’s good news! Aligning paid search (targeted ads) with organic search (free website traffic) can be your secret weapon. This powerful combo attracts the right students, stretches your marketing budget, and can increase website traffic and conversions. Think of it like this: paid search highlights your strengths, while organic search builds a welcoming landing page a ..read more

Securing steady enrollment growth and keeping students happily on board are top priorities in higher education. But how do institutions ensure they’re truly meeting student needs and demands? It’s all about measuring performance effectively. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are like your personalized fitness trackers for performance. They tell you what’s working, what needs more work, and how far you’ve come towards your goals. Unlike raw data, KPIs are laser-focused measures that effectively drive informed decisions and track progress. Gone are the days of navigating blindly through raw data ..read more

Top Trends to Master in Higher Ed Enrollment & Marketing The student journey to higher education is no longer a linear path marked by brochures and open houses. Today’s prospective students navigate a complex, non-linear landscape, demanding a strategic shift from institutions. This shift is fueled by a wave of optimism: after years of enrollment challenges, all sectors witnessed enrollment growth in Fall 2023, continuing a positive trend into the Spring 2024 semester. Notably, public two-year colleges experienced significant gains for the second consecutive term, marking a promising resur ..read more

Higher education is facing a whirlwind of change. Technology is experiencing rapid growth with the increased adoption of AI. The workforce’s needs are changing. Students now seek high-value education, relevant work experience, and flexibility in their expectations. Change can be overwhelming, but it drives innovation. Linear decision-making is a thing of the past. Prospective students now use diverse touchpoints for non-linear, multi-channel information gathering and decision-making. 2024 promises a student journey driven by AI-powered automation, personalized messaging crafted from rich first ..read more

The New FAFSA Form and Its Effects on Financial Aid We’re more than halfway through January 2024, and millions of students are filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2024-2025 school year. This month represents the soft launch of the form after implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act. The FAFSA Simplification Act led to significant changes in the FAFSA form, including fewer questions, a direct data exchange with the IRS, and a new formula that could impact the amount of financial aid that is awarded to students. As indicated by the name, the overarchi ..read more

Higher Education Speakers of InsightsEDU InsightsEDU is more than just a conference; it’s an experience for higher education experts seeking to amplify online student enrollments and refine the student experience. From February 20-22, 2024, Phoenix, Arizona, will become a bustling hub of ideas and inspiration as marketing, admissions, and enrollment management professionals gather at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. This exclusive event focuses on one crucial mission: helping institutions succeed in attracting and serving today’s students. With over thirty higher education sessions, Education ..read more